Human technology has evolved over time, in response to our needs and desires. Let’s take a look back in time, at real and imagined technology before now, to see a reflection of our own human evolution.
The word “technology” is now commonly understood to mean only the electronic and digital devices that have become central to our everyday living. But the broader meaning of technology, from the word’s Greek roots, is simply “the way we do things” – and the way can be manual and mechanical as well as electronic. With all three forms of technology active today, what got us to this point – first with manual technology then with mechanical and now with electronic? What do we see, when we look back at previous generations and the directions they were headed with the technology they developed and dreamed of? Maybe we will recognize some of our own present in that reflection, and as we take ourselves back in time to see things their eyes can we rediscover a new way of looking at our own time?
The Colosseum and Pantheon stand witness to the knowledge and skill behind ancient Roman concrete-making technology. We look at the history of concrete from then to now, and take you into the Pantheon to explore the marvels that ancient Romans accomplished with concrete.
What was the purpose of these curious dodecahedrons, discovered in the northern parts of the ancient Roman Empire? Why does no record exist to explain their use and manufacture? We review the intriguing possibilities, but more detective work is needed to uncover the truth of this ancient technology.
Alan Turing’s skills in mathematics and computer science helped build the “Bombe,” the computing machine that cracked the Nazi Enigma code. The technology was instrumental in the Allied victory over Hitler.
With four Golden Hats now unearthed, dating back over 3,000 years, the mysteries remain. What was the purpose of this ancient technology? What was the source of the knowledge, and how was it used? Were they astronomical time calculators, or more?
Our 5-part series on sci-fi films of the 1950s and 1960s wraps up with a look at how life on Mars was imagined, and Jane Fonda in the campy sci-fi sex comedy “Barbarella”.
The film classic presents a vision of the future that after 55 years still resonates in the imagination. As the power of today’s computers approaches the movie’s HAL 9000, the message about our relationship with technology is increasingly relevant.
The Quantum Record is a non-profit journal of philosophy, science, technology, and time. The potential of the future is in the human mind and heart, and in the common ground that we all share on the road to tomorrow. Promoting reflection, discussion, and imagination, The Quantum Record highlights the good work of good people and aims to join many perspectives in shaping the best possible time to come. We would love to stay in touch with you, and add your voice to the dialogue.